Best Children's Chinese New Year Books of 2026

The Year of the Dog is a heartwarming and relatable novel about a young girl named Pacy who is on a journey of self-discovery during the Chinese zodiac's Year of the Dog. Grace Lin's writing is both funny and profound, and she captures the soul and spirit of books like those of Maud Hart Lovelace. This special edition of the modern classic includes over 15 pages of new content, making it a must-read for young readers. Overall, this book is a delightful read for all readers, especially for those in the Asian-American community, and it emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and finding oneself.

This is a story about a little black cat with a 'missing' sock who goes on a quest for a complete set of four, in the hope for happiness and acceptance. In his quest, he meets a kind little girl named Annabelle and her talking teddy bear Theodore who have just the right solution for him - Annabelle's baby sock! Just when all seems well and good, a sudden gust of wind blasts through the window and turns the whole world upside down. But that is no wind at all...AwardsWinner (Best Illustrations), Best Indie Book Award 2021Silver, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards 2022Bronze, Independent Publisher Book Awards 2022What's in this book?A beautiful message about empathy, looking beyond appearances and giving to those who have even less than us.A valuable lesson about gratitude, being happy with what we have and who we are, 'complete' with all our imperfections.A fast-paced, unusual storyline unlike other children's books, with a heartwarming surprise ending.A work of art, with 35 awesome, original illustrations by the author that will inspire the hidden artist in your little one.A quality book to add to your treasure of best children's books!School Teachers love 'Theodore and The Cat with the Missing Sock'!LOVE it!"I love this book. I love this book for teaching SEL (Social Emotional Learning). It has so many lessons, that you can take away from it (friendship, acceptance, loyalty, love yourself). The illustrations are so amazing. They are so detailed, which will certainly add to the discussion. I love all the multi syllabic words, as well as the many suffixes, that is used. This book has it all! The lessons are endless." ~ Victoria, Special Education Teacher. Whimsical, engaging, and captivating"My students thoroughly enjoyed this book. They were captivated by the pictures and story telling. They were super involved and engaged with the story the whole time I was reading it. Their emotions matched the characters as they went through their ups and downs throughout the story. My students loved this book, and ever since reading out loud with my class, I have had students pick it up in their free time to read/look at it." ~ Carly, 1st Grade Teacher. AMAZING BOOK"I read this book to my special ed students and they really were visually stimulated at the art work. It really captures the eye and kept my littles engaged. Their eyes were roaming all over the pages! The story was well written and entertaining as well. However, some of the language used (dumbfounded, frenziedly, awestruck, etc.) was far above my student's ability to comprehend so a bit of explaining was needed, but they got it afterwards. I fully recommend this book for elementary students." ~ Mary, Special Education Teacher. Beautiful Illustrations"This is a darling book about a cat has 3 paws with white fur and one without. Annabelle goes on a adventure to find his other sock. It has such fun illustrations and it is a fun story. My 2nd graders loved listening to it. It has many higher-level thinking vocabulary words in it. I would highly recommend it!" ~ Joshua, 2nd Grade Teacher. Amazing book"This book has been so amazing in getting my students interested in reading. We have read the book as a class over the past 2 weeks and my students have been wanting to take the books home to share them with their families.The pictures are very engaging and the student would make a prediction of what they thought might happen and then we would read the pages. I would totally recommend this book for teachers that want to engage their students in great conversation and writing skills." ~ Mindi, 1st Grade Teacher

Let's Go Yum Cha: A Dim Sum Adventure! takes kids on a delightful journey through the world of Dim Sum, from the sounds and smells to the most common dishes. This beautifully illustrated book provides an extraordinary food adventure for children to learn about Chinese culture, food, and love. The book also teaches simple Cantonese phrases to use in a restaurant setting and at home. The judges of the 30th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards were impressed by the book, saying it "made me hungry and will be a wonderful one to read for kids and adults to see both familiar and new traditions and foods!"

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson is a heartwarming and humorous story about a Chinese immigrant girl named Shirley Temple Wong, who moves to Brooklyn, New York, in 1947. Struggling to make friends due to the language barrier, Shirley discovers her love for baseball, and her hero, Jackie Robinson, who is breaking down racial barriers in the sport. Through baseball, Shirley finds a sense of belonging and ultimately feels at home in America. This book is a must-read for children who love stories about new experiences and overcoming obstacles. The author, Bette Bao Lord, has created a relatable and endearing character in Shirley, making this book a timeless classic for young readers.

"Our Moon Festival" is a children's book that celebrates the Moon Festival in Asian communities. The book features three different stories that showcase the diverse traditions of families celebrating Zhong Qiu Jie, Tết Trung Thu, and Tsukimi. Children will learn about the foods, dances, parades, poetry, and other traditions that are involved in the celebration of the Moon Festival. Just like the author's previous book, "Our Lunar New Year," this book will captivate children and make them feel like they are part of the holiday too. Overall, "Our Moon Festival" is an excellent addition to any children's book collection, and it provides a unique insight into the Asian culture and traditions surrounding the Moon Festival.

Asian Adventures A-Z is a delightful children's book that takes young readers on a journey through Asia, covering everything from cities to food to holidays and more. Each page is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet and highlights a different aspect of Asian culture, making it a fantastic educational tool for parents and teachers alike. The book is beautifully illustrated and offers a fun and engaging way for children to learn about the diverse traditions and customs of Asia. Overall, Asian Adventures A-Z is a unique and informative read that is sure to captivate young readers.

Dot Marker Books for Toddlers: Easy Big Dots is a cute animal and shape dot marker activity book designed for toddlers who are learning the coloring activity. It features big guided dots that will help in your little one’s hand and eye coordination and early mental development. The book comes with 60 cute animal, insect, and object illustrations, and each page has a scissor/paper-cutter guide line for easy removal. The glossy lamination cover protects the book from light spills. This book is a perfect gift for little grandchildren or other toddlers aged 18 months to 4 years old.

The Dragon and the Unicorn: The Magic of Friendship (Emerald Kingdom) is a heartwarming tale about the power of friendship. Dan the dragon and Fran the unicorn are swept away by a blizzard and must find their way back home. This hilarious and magical adventure is perfect for children who love fantastical tales. The book has won numerous awards, including 1st Place in the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards for Cover Design and Honorable Mentions for New Author (Fiction) & Picture Books. The book is a finalist in the Readers’ Choice Book Awards and has received 5-star ratings from various reviewers. Overall, this book is a gem and a must-read for children and adults alike.

A to Z Mysteries Super Edition #5: The New Year Dragon Dilemma is a fun, engaging children's chapter book that follows Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose as they try to solve the mystery of a missing girl and her crown during San Francisco's Chinese New Year parade. With hidden messages to decode, this book keeps young readers entertained and thinking. Ron Roy's writing style is easy to follow, and Stephen Gilpin's illustrations add to the story's charm. Overall, this book is a great addition to the A to Z Mysteries series and perfect for children who love solving puzzles and mysteries.

The Easter Mazes for Kids Ages 4-8 is a fantastic activity book that makes a great addition to any child's Easter basket. With over 90 maze puzzles, the book is designed with three difficulty levels, making it suitable for kids of all ages. The book is an excellent way to improve a child's coordination, logic, and hand skills while keeping them entertained for hours. The book is also an excellent way to encourage screen-free activities during the holidays. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for parents looking for a fun and educational Easter activity for their children.